Calibrachoa Care 101: A Beginner's Guide to Planting & Growing

Calibrachoa, known as Million Bells, is a stunning flowering plant that can transform your garden or hanging baskets into a vibrant paradise. With its cascading growth habit and colorful blooms, Calibrachoa is popular among beginner and experienced gardeners. If you're new to growing Million Bells and want to ensure success, this beginner's guide will provide essential tips and techniques for caring for these beautiful plants.

Calibrachoa is a genus of flowering plants in the family Solanaceae. It is commonly known as Million Bells or trailing petunia due to its resemblance to petunias. These plants are native to South America, particularly Brazil and Uruguay.

Calibrachoa is a popular choice for gardens and hanging baskets because its small, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom continuously throughout the growing season. The flowers come in various colors, including red, pink, yellow, orange, purple, and white. The plants have a trailing or cascading growth habit, which is ideal for containers or hanging baskets.

Calibrachoa is often grown annually in temperate regions but can be perennial in warmer climates. It is relatively low-maintenance and resistant to many pests and diseases. However, like other plants, it can be susceptible to aphids, slugs, or fungal infections if growing conditions are unfavorable.

Calibrachoa Varieties

Calibrachoa offers various varieties with unique colors, patterns, and growth habits. Here are some popular Calibrachoa varieties that you can explore for your garden:

Superbells: This series is known for its vigorous growth and profusion of flowers. It offers a wide range of colors, including Superbells Cherry Star (red with yellow star pattern), Superbells Lemon Slice (yellow with white edge), and Superbells Blue Moon Punch (purple-blue with yellow center).

Read Also: Growing and Maintaining Hydrangea Plants

Million Bells: The Million Bells series is renowned for its abundant cascading flowers. Varieties include Million Bells Pink, Trailing Blue, and Terra Cotta.

MiniFamous: The MiniFamous series is a compact and early-flowering variety, perfect for containers and hanging baskets. It offers a range of colors, such as MiniFamous Double Amethyst (double purple), MiniFamous Double PinkTastic (double pink and white), and MiniFamous Neo Double Yellow (double yellow).

Callie: The Callie series showcases large and vibrant flowers. Varieties include Callie Coral Rose (coral-pink), Callie Mango (orange), and Callie® Light Blue (soft blue).

Kabloom: The Kabloom series is known for its heat and weather tolerance. These varieties produce numerous small flowers and are excellent for adding splashes of color to the landscape. Examples include Kabloom Denim (blue with white center), Kabloom Yellow (bright yellow), and Kabloom Pink (pink with white center).

Aloha: The Aloha series offers a range of colors, from bold and vibrant to soft pastels. Some popular varieties include Aloha Kona Hot Orange, Aloha Kona Dark Blue, and Aloha Kona Pineapple.

These are just a few examples of the many Calibrachoa varieties available. Each one brings a unique charm and color palette, allowing you to create stunning combinations and arrangements in your garden. Explore local nurseries or online plant retailers to discover even more Calibrachoa varieties and find the ones that resonate with your gardening vision.

Selecting the Right Location

Choosing the ideal location for your plants is crucial for their overall health and blooming performance. Consider the following factors when selecting a spot:

Sunlight Requirements: Calibrachoa thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce abundant blooms. Select a location that receives ample sunlight throughout the day, preferably in the morning and early afternoon. However, some afternoon shade can help protect the plants from excessive heat in regions with scorching summers.

Wind Exposure: Calibrachoa enjoys sunlight but can be sensitive to strong winds. Choose a location that offers some protection from strong gusts, such as near a fence, wall, or other structures. This will prevent the delicate branches from breaking and help maintain the plant's compact shape.

Soil Drainage: Calibrachoa prefers well-draining soil to prevent the roots from sitting in water. Avoid planting them in areas prone to waterlogging, leading to root rot and other issues. If you have heavy clay or compacted soil, consider amending it with organic matter like compost or perlite to improve drainage.

Read Also: Texas Bluebonnets 101: Growing These Iconic Wildflowers

Temperature Considerations: Calibrachoa thrives in moderate temperatures and may struggle in extreme heat or frost. If you live in a region with scorching summers, provide shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent heat stress. Similarly, if you experience frost in your area, plant them after the danger of frost has passed, or consider growing them as annuals.

Garden Bed or Containers: Calibrachoa can be grown in garden beds and containers. If planting in the ground, ensure the soil is well-prepared and sufficiently amended for good drainage. When using containers, select pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Container gardening offers the advantage of mobility, allowing you to move the plants to ideal locations based on sunlight and wind conditions.

Planting Calibrachoa

• Starting from Seeds: If you decide to grow from seeds, begin the process indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Fill a seed tray or small pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Moisten the soil and sprinkle the tiny seeds on the surface, as they require light to germinate. Avoid covering them with soil. Place the tray or pots warmly (around 70-75°F or 21-24°C) and maintain consistent moisture by misting or using a humidity dome. Germination typically takes 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots or containers before moving them outdoors.
• Transplanting Seedlings: If you start with nursery-bought Calibrachoa seedlings, it's best to wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling. Gently remove the plant from its container carefully not to damage the roots. Place the seedling in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the base of the plant. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and help the plant establish its roots.
• Planting in Containers: When planting Calibrachoa in containers, choose pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix, leaving enough space for the roots. Gently remove the plant from its nursery container and place it in the center of the pot. Add more potting mix around the root ball, ensuring it is level with the top of the container. Lightly press the soil to secure the plant. Water the container thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
• Spacing: Whether planting in the ground or containers, providing adequate spacing between Calibrachoa plants is crucial. Space them about 8 to 12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation, which helps prevent disease and ensures each plant has enough space to grow and cascade beautifully.

Calibrachoa Care

Mulching

Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, around the base of Calibrachoa plants. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppresses weed growth, and regulates soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stems to prevent rotting.

Regular Deadheading

Deadheading is essential for Calibrachoa to promote continuous blooming. Remove faded or spent flowers by pinching or cutting them off at the base. Deadheading redirects the plant's energy into producing new blooms, ensuring a longer flowering period.

Pruning

Calibrachoa can become leggy or overgrown over time. To maintain a compact and bushy shape, prune the plants periodically. Around mid-summer, trim back the plants by about one-third of their length. This encourages branching and stimulates new growth, resulting in a fuller and more abundant display of flowers.

Monitor Watering

Calibrachoa prefers consistent moisture, so regularly monitor the plants' watering needs. Adjust the frequency and amount of watering based on weather conditions. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Water the plants at the base to keep the foliage dry, which helps prevent diseases.

Protecting from Extreme Heat

During scorching summer days, provide shade or afternoon protection for Calibrachoa plants. Excessive heat can cause stress and affect blooming. Consider moving containers to a slightly shaded area or using shade cloth to filter intense sunlight without completely blocking it.

Pest and Disease Control

Calibrachoa is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, watch for common garden pests like aphids or snails. If you notice any signs of pest infestation, treat the affected plants with organic pest control methods or insecticidal soap. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overcrowding the plants to prevent fungal diseases.

Regular Inspections

Take the time to inspect your Calibrachoa plants regularly. Look for any signs of discoloration, wilting, or pest activity. Catching and addressing any issues early on can help prevent them from spreading or causing further damage.

Overwintering

Calibrachoa is typically grown annually in regions with cold winters. However, in milder climates, you may be able to overwinter a Million Bells with some protection. Before the first frost, move the container-grown plants indoors or to a sheltered location. Provide sufficient light, maintain moderate temperatures, and reduce watering during dormancy. In spring, reintroduce the plants to the outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Wrap Up

As you embark on the journey of growing and caring for Calibrachoa, you are about to witness the magic unfold. These vibrant and cascading beauties can transform your garden or hanging baskets into a kaleidoscope of colors, captivating all who look at them.

So, as you embark on this floral adventure, remember to embrace the journey. Take pleasure in every step, from the tender planting to the gentle touch of pruning. Allow yourself to be captivated by the resilience and beauty of these Million Bells, for they are not merely plants but living works of art.

May your Calibrachoa flourish, their colors ignite your imagination, and your garden becomes a testament to the wonders of nature's creativity. With care and love, you will create a masterpiece that will inspire and delight all who encounter it.

👉 Do you have any additional insights or questions? We highly value your feedback. Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.